Woman faces homicide charges
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An Arlee woman is charged with causing a fatal head-on collision on U.S. Highway 93 after fleeing a traffic stop in Polson.
Shannon Sierra Haworth, 18, entered a plea of not guilty at District Court in Polson on Aug. 12 to felony vehicular homicide while under the influence.
According to court records, after midnight on May 28, a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy was returning to the Lake County Courthouse in Polson and observed a vehicle approaching without its headlights on. The deputy made a traffic stop on the vehicle. The driver, later identified as Haworth, seemed distraught and admitted to consuming alcohol earlier, according to records.
As the deputy was waiting for back-up, Haworth left the scene and traveled south on U.S. Highway 93 at a high rate of speed. The deputy lost sight of Haworth’s vehicle.
Other law enforcement officers intercepted the vehicle as it traveled through Pablo with speeds reaching up 120 mph. Pursuing law enforcement officers were unable to close the gap between them and Haworth.
Haworth’s vehicle moved into the northbound lane and struck another motorist head-on. The driver and lone occupant were instantly killed.
Haworth, who made her court appearance while confined to a wheelchair with visible injuries to her lower extremities, had to be airlifted from the scene of the crash to an area hospital.
Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher set the case for trial on Dec. 6. Haworth is at liberty but must comply with alcohol monitoring.
